Question:
HI Iam 21 yrs old 250 5'6 and considering surgery do you think i will qualify?

I had knee surgery in 2003 and since then I keep putting on weight i was a healthy weirgh in high school. I have alot of knee pain and lower back pain my dr says its b/c of my weight she asked me in aug. if i considered gastric bypass at the time i didnt but now ive submitted the papers and waiting for the callback. My dad passed away in aug. he was over weight and died of a massive heart attack, he too was trying to get the surgery. I ve tried to lose weight seen a nutrionalist, tried over the counter stuff since i was like 16.    — sofey (posted on December 19, 2005)

December 19, 2005
I definitely think that you would qualify. Your BMI is 40.3 and most insurance companies require 40 or higher. I am 23 and just had surgery in August, it was the best decision I have ever made. I don't think you will have any regrets if you do go through with it. Good Luck
   — *Malena* M.

December 19, 2005
I think you'll qaulify as well. Document as best as possible how you've tried to lose weight on your own and with the help of a weight loss doctor or nutritionist. Insurance Companies like to see that you've tried different approaches and use the surgery as your last ditch effort to lose weight. Good luck and keep us posted! Chris
   — NCKodiac

December 21, 2005
I am 26 and the same height and weight as you. I think you would qualify, depending on your insurance. But work on your diet histroy and list of co-morbidities. The more documentation you and your doctor can submit, the stronger your case will be. My PCP doesn't even want to refer me to the surgeon until he has a sleep apnea study in hand. They are all trying to help you battle the "evil insurance company" ;-)
   — Jenn K

December 22, 2005
To qualify for bariatric surgery by National Institute of Health standards one needs to have a BMI of 40 with no associated illness, or 35 with associated disease (heart, lung, other). To qualify for surgery from one's insurance company is another story. HMO's have a number of tricks to avoid qualifying their patients, but with persistence one can often get them to capitulate. To qualify from a surgeons perspective hopefully involves a vigorous assessment of motivation, understanding of the procedure, willingness to modify diet and exercise habits, and a thorough medical evaluation. And lastly, and most importantly, to qualfy from ones own perspective, do you want to live a longer and healthier life? M.Brackman, MD
   — Dr. Brackman